Top performances by R.P. Singh 

Bowling around the wicket, left-arm fast bowler R P Singh ran steaming in, bending his back to deliver an inswinger. It swings a foot and goes through the gap between bat and pad (with a little help of an inside edge) to uproot the off-stump of Michael Vaughan. This scene best describes the wizardry of R P Singh.

After making his debut in 2005, R P Singh hanged his boots and brought down the curtains on the career that technically lasted 13 years. He was born in a small town named Rae Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. He spent his formative years at Lucknow's Sports College, where he mastered his art of swing bowling.

He made his debut against Zimbabwe in 2005 and picked two wickets in his economical spell. He was soon picked for the Test series in Pakistan in 2006. In the second Test of the series at Faisalabad, he picked four wickets in the first innings and one in the other to win the 'Man of the Match' award in his debut game.

He was instrumental in India's Test series win in England in 2007. He starred in India's win in the inaugural World Cup T20 later that year. He emerged as a hero in India's win in the Perth Test against Australia in 2008. In the following year, he helped Deccan Chargers win the IPL title.

He played his last International match (ODI) against England in 2011 at Cardiff but was active in the domestic circuit. In his career, RP Singh played 82 international matches and picked 124 wickets.

His career was short-lived due to injuries and inconsistency, but he was still remarkable in numerous wins. Here, we take a look at his top performances.

#6 'Man of the Match' in the debut test at Faisalabad, 2006

R P Singh picked 4/89 at his test in Faisalabad

After making his debut in ODIs against Zimbabwe, R P Singh was picked for the Test series in Pakistan in 2006. He was given a chance in the second Test at Faisalabad.

He bowled brilliantly on a flat track that had no assist for the fast bowlers and picked four wickets for 89 runs in the first innings. Among his four wickets, he dismissed Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Mohammed Yusuf, and Abdul Razak. He proved to be the most successful and economical bowler in the first innings. In the second innings, he once again dismissed Younis Khan who was cruising towards the double century.

Riding on his bowling performance, India was able to draw the Test match. He was adjudged 'Man of the Match' for his bowling performance. His efforts on Faisalabad's dead pitch established his credibility as a Test bowler.

#5 4 for 40 against Pakistan in 4th ODI at Multan 2006

After losing to Pakistan (1-0) in the Test series, India was looking to even out things in the ODI series. India was already leading the series 2-1 and R P Singh swung the fourth ODI in India's favor.

He picked four wickets for 40 runs and curbed Pakistan to a score of 161. The Indian batters chased down the target easily in just 32.3 overs. With the win, India stretched gained an unassailable lead over the hosts and later won the ODI series 4-1.

R P Singh dismissed Shoaib Malik, Imran Farhat, Younis Khan, and Abdul Razak and ended his match figures at 10-0-40-4. He was adjudged 'Man of the Match' for his performance.

#4 First Indian to win the Purple Cap in IPL 2009

Purple Cap winner in IPL 2009

Due to the clash of its schedule with the general elections in India, the IPL had moved to South Africa for its second edition in 2009. R P Singh was a part of Deccan Chargers in that year (now dysfunctional).

He had earlier starred in India's 2007 T20 World Cup triumph in South Africa and carried the same form in the IPL. He utilized his experience of bowling on bouncy pitches of South Africa and guided Deccan Chargers to the crown.

He picked 23 wickets to win the Purple Cap and helped Deccan Chargers win the IPL 2009.

#3 India's leading wicket taker in 2007 T20 World Cup

After their dismal show in the World Cup 2007 in West Indies, a relatively new side was on the plane to play the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup. India proved to be the 'dark horse' of the tournament. They finished the campaign as the winners of the first T20 World Cup.

R P Singh starred in India's win and emerged as the country's leading wicket-taker in the tournament. He picked up 12 wickets at an average of 12.66.

His best performance came against South Africa. He picked four wickets for 13 runs to restrict SA to 119 while chasing a target of 154 runs. He picked three wickets for 26 runs in the final against Pakistan as India defeated its arch-rivals in a nail-biting finish by five runs.

#2 Five-wicket haul at Lord's, 2007

With the collective efforts of its bowlers, India was able to restrict England to 298 runs in the first innings. However, England had taken a lead of 97 runs and RP Singh led the charge in the second innings and picked five wickets for 59 runs to put England on the back foot. His name featured on the Lord's Honors as well.

Though the match ended in a draw, India was able to win the series in England after 36 years.

#1 Heroics at Perth in 2008

R P Singh picked 4 wickets in the first innings of the Perth Test

R.P Singh's performance at Perth will stand out by far. Before coming into the Perth Test, India was reeling under pressure after the Monkey-gate incident in Sydney. India was already 2-0 down in the four-match series and winning this match was very important for their pride.

The trio of Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma and RP Singh utilized the fast and bouncy pitches of Perth and put the Aussie batsmen on the backfoot. RP Singh laid the foundation of India's win at Perth. He bowled fast and showcased his uncanny swing bowling skills.

He dismissed Mike Hussey and Adam Gilchrist in the second innings to pick six wickets in the game. He came handy with the bat as well. He scored a crucial 30 runs in the second innings that comprised of a six over long-on. India won the memorable Test by 72 runs. It was an outstanding performance with both bat and ball after being 2-0 down in the series.